U.S. to Withdraw From UNESCO Again, Cites Anti-Israel Bias

Paris, Jul 22 (AP) The United States has announced that it will withdraw from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) once again, citing concerns over the agency's objectives and alleged anti-Israel bias. This marks the third U.S. departure from UNESCO, and the second during a Trump administration. The withdrawal is expected to take effect in December 2026.

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce highlighted that the decision stems from UNESCO's perceived effort to "advance divisive social and cultural causes" and its recognition of the State of Palestine as a member, which the U.S. finds problematic and contributing to anti-Israel sentiments within the organization.

UNESCO's Director General, Audrey Azoulay, expressed regret over the U.S. decision but noted that she was prepared for it. She refuted claims of an anti-Israel bias, pointing to UNESCO's commitment to Holocaust education and combating antisemitism.

In 2011, the U.S. and Israel ceased funding UNESCO after its decision to include Palestine as a member. The Trump administration previously announced a U.S. withdrawal in 2017 for the same reasons, and that departure became official a year later. The Biden administration rejoined UNESCO in 2023.

Azoulay emphasized that UNESCO remains a platform for consensus and multilateral action, describing the U.S.'s reasons for leaving as outdated, given the changes and reduced political tensions since the previous withdrawal. Despite the financial impact of the U.S. exit, UNESCO has diversified its funding sources, with the U.S. contribution down to 8% of its total budget.

The director general assured that UNESCO will continue its mission despite the reduced resources, without any imminent staff layoffs. She reiterated that the U.S. would always be welcomed back and emphasized ongoing partnerships with American sectors outside of government.

The U.S.'s departure resonates with its history, having left UNESCO previously during Ronald Reagan's presidency in 1984 due to concerns over mismanagement and alignment with Soviet interests, before rejoining in 2003 under President George W. Bush. (AP)

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